After what happened to me in the dwindling hours of my thirties I’ve realized that I don’t need anyone to chart my future for me—I’m doing just fine, thanks.

Tuesday night I was invited to an intimate dinner with a small circle of friends, and through no small amount of subterfuge was led to the restaurant where my ladyfriend works, where a much larger circle of friends was waiting to surprise me. And surprise me they did! This Flickr Photo Set tells the story better than I ever could.

The next morning as the emails started flooding my inbox I was reminded that my circle of friends was larger still. And all I can give you in return is my heartfelt thanks—you’ve all made an old man very happy…